There has been so much talk about Cleary since making his debut, coincidentally in Melbourne, two years ago.

The speculation about when he would be ready for the Origin arena has been around almost as long.

On the morning of the game, Cleary took a moment to reflect on the enormity of what he was about to accomplish.

"I honestly cannot put it into words," he said.

"It's the best feeling ever. I thought about it this morning. All my footy life has been leading to this day. It was just such a big build up. To get out there and get a win on debut is a dream come true."

While he was soaking up all the excitement of a victory on debut, Cleary remains a realist and knows he will have to improve in game two if NSW are to close out the series on home soil.

"The kicking game has got to get better," Cleary said.

"I have to go back to the drawing board with that and hopefully produce better in game two."